The Doce river has great economic importance for the region. The
basin is home to the largest steel making complex in Latin America.
Three of the five largest companies in Minas Gerais state in the
year 2000, Companhia Sider√ļrgica Belgo Mineira, Arcelor Mittal
(ACESITA) and USIMINAS, are located there. The largest
open-pit mine in the world is operated in the basin by the Companhia
Vale do Rio Doce. These industrial conglomerates have an
important role in Brazilian exports of iron ore, steel, and
cellulose (Cenibra). In addition, the Doce basin contributes
greatly to production of coffee from Minas Gerais and Esp√≠rito
Santo as well as fruit pulp from Esp√≠rito Santo.

According to the Anu√°rio Estat√≠stico do Brasil (IBGE) the Doce
basin has a population of about 3,100,000, with the urban
population making up 68.7% of the total population. In recent years
the population has declined, with small towns and rural areas
losing up to 40% of their population.